During this festive time, I find myself reflecting on and considering the events of 2023.
We have remained steadfast in our commitment to collective and individual development, maintaining our authenticity, and delivering an unrivaled client experience. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our clients, partners, and colleagues who have placed their trust and confidence in the team at McLennan Ross.
Earlier this year, the Northwest Territories wildfire caused unforeseen challenges for our Yellowknife office, which we were able to manage and overcome thanks to the patience and confidence of our clients. Our team demonstrated tremendous resilience in guaranteeing service continuity, despite the considerable disruption to their own lives. The silver lining of this difficult situation was the ability to spend time working closely with our Yellowknife colleagues in Alberta. Some of our Edmonton team members even opened their homes for meals and accommodations throughout the evacuation.
With the exception of the challenges faced, we saw significant change and growth not only in our numbers but also in our leadership. The firm promoted seven lawyers to partners in 2023, welcomed three additional lateral partners and two lawyers, and hired a new Director of Marketing and Business Development. We also saw a number of new faces among our support staff, without whom we could not continue to provide the great service our clients deserve.
Congratulations once again to our articling students who were called to the Alberta Bar and returned to the firm as associates. They have accomplished a phenomenal milestone by their resilience and determination. We also celebrate the growth within the Environmental & Energy team with the addition of Evan Dixon and junior lawyers joining the group, as well as the successes achieved this year in all practice areas. Finally, after serving on the Executive Committee for 15 years, David Risling decided to "retire" from his position, and Maurice Dransfeld became the newest member of the Executive Committee.
Our continued dependence on one another and ability to make a positive impact in our community were all demonstrated via the sponsorships and partnerships we undertook. We are delighted to continue sponsoring, volunteering, and supporting various initiatives and events including 124 Street Business Association's All is Bright Celebration, the Calgary Drop-In Centre, Taste of Edmonton, the Leaders in Insurance Charity Golf Classic, Run for L'Arche, and the Women and Wealth Gala, to mention a few.
2023 saw the opening of the 20th floor of the Eau Claire Tower, which highlights the growth of the Calgary office. The addition of this floor promises growth of our legal services, and the ability to continue providing the same high-quality advocacy you have come to expect from us. In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Calgary office also received recognition from the Eau Claire Tower for effectively diverting more than 84% of waste in Q2 to recycle or compost instead of sending it to a landfill.
As we turn our attention to the future, I am filled with enthusiasm for the prospects of our firm. We look forward to approaching 2024 with fresh excitement, embracing new opportunities, and engaging in new experiences.
On behalf of McLennan Ross, I wish you and your family a holiday season filled with warmth, joy, and shared moments of celebration.
Steve Livingstone, K.C.
Managing Partner
